Fortunately, you can have your name removed, but you will have to take the appropriate steps depending on the cosigned loan type. Basically, you have two options: You can enable the main borrower to assume total control of the debt or you can get rid of the debt entirely.
No, it doesn't hurt your credit, but having one can get credit history in your name because most times without a cosigner, you're not approved for an apartment or loan.
You can remove the co-signer by refinancing your auto loan, receiving a co-signer release or paying off the loan. Before removing the co-signer, ensure your credit score is high enough to receive the same or comparable rate if you refinance.
The bank is going to be in charge of this if the loan is not paid in full. The only way to remove a co-signer from an active loan is to pay off the loan. You can do that out of pocket, or you can refinance the loan in your name only. Either way, a new title will be issued in your name with the lender as lien holder.
Refinance or Consolidate
"If the primary account holder's credit score or income has gone up, they may be able to refinance the loan in their name only. You'll be off the hook, and they may secure more favorable loan terms," says Tayne.
Removing a co-borrower or cosigner from a mortgage is possible but difficult, and your lender may insist that you pay off the mortgage in full or refinance the house by taking out a new loan solely in your name.
The lender may take legal action against you, pursue you through debt collection agencies, or sell the debt to a “debt buyer” to try to collect the money that is owed on the loan if the borrower does not pay or defaults on his or her repayment obligations.
Can a Co-Borrower be Removed From the Title? The lender must approve removing a co-borrower from a title. Typically, you must refinance the loan and qualify on your own for the lender to approve removing them from the auto loan and title.
Removing yourself as an authorized user can lower your credit utilization ratio and the age of your credit history, both of which can have a negative impact on your credit score.
It can affect your credit scores.
Because a co-signed loan is recorded on your credit reports, any late or missed payments can have a negative impact on your credit scores. If the borrower defaults on the loan and ceases payment, the debt may be referred to a collection agency.
Unfortunately, since you have no legal rights to the vehicle, the primary borrower has to take the initiative to remove someone's name from the contract. Cosigners can't take possession of the vehicle they cosign for or remove the primary borrower from the loan since their name isn't on the vehicle's title.
However, there is a downside to consider. Being removed as a cosigner from a loan could potentially hurt your credit scores. How much your scores are impacted depends on the details of your credit profile.
If you are a guarantor and no longer wish to be, you must obtain the consent or agreement from the landlord before you will be released from your liabilities, which, if the rent is in arrears, the landlord is unlikely to agree to.
If a borrower can prove to the lender they're financially stable on their own, they might qualify for cosigner release. If you're considering cosigner release, keep in mind that there are benefits for you as the borrower, too. This includes: Showing you can financially handle the loan on your own.
Request release from a co-signed loan
Co-signers can make a written request to the lender to be released from a loan. In certain cases, like some student loans, there may be a provision that allows a co-signer to take their name off a loan.
However, in certain legal circumstances, the cosigner may face jail time. For example, in a case where the co-signer helped to facilitate the defendant's flight, provided false contact information, or in any way assisted the defendant in evading prosecution.
If the borrower forged your signature, or if they committed fraud to enforce you to sign the loan contract, you can sue both the lender and the primary borrower to have your name removed. However, you'll need unquestionable proof that you did not willingly consent to cosign the loan.
Being a cosigner does not give you rights to the property. A cosigner has no title or ownership in the property secured for the loan. Additionally, a cosigner has no legal right to occupy a home as a primary or secondary residence, unlike the primary signer/borrower.
You can often remove a cosigner at any point during the loan period. Your loan paperwork might dictate specific terms, though. For example, some lenders require 24 months of on-time payments from the primary borrower before they'll consider releasing the cosigner.
The short answer is yes! Removing a cosigner from a car loan is absolutely possible, but there are a few different routes you can take to achieve it. The finance team at Marietta Toyota has outlined the purpose of a cosigner along with common ways to release them from a car loan below, so read on!
They are equally responsible for the debt and must pay if the borrower does not make payments or defaults on the loan. Who can be a co-signer comes down to credit history and standing. A co-signer must have their income, assets, credit score and debt-to-income ratio in good shape to receive approval.
While you can often use one loan to pay off another, be sure to read the fine print of your contract first and be wise about your spending habits.